Andhra Pradesh High Court Reviews Progress of Alleged Police Torture Victim Byara Dargappa
The Andhra Pradesh High Court has been informed that Byara Dargappa, a survivor of alleged police torture, is currently recovering in Kurnool. The court is reviewing his testimony following the suspicious death of Mala Gangamma during a police investigation in the Mantralayam constituency.
Highlights
- •Byara Dargappa is showing improvement at Kurnool Government General Hospital after alleged police torture.
- •The case follows the death of Mala Gangamma, who allegedly passed away due to police interrogation methods.
- •Victim's serum creatinine levels have returned to normal after several rounds of dialysis.
- •The Andhra Pradesh High Court is reviewing official statements to determine further action against SIT personnel.
The Andhra Pradesh High Court has received an update regarding the health status of Byara Dargappa, who is presently receiving medical care at the Kurnool Government General Hospital. The case, which involves serious allegations of police torture, has gained significant public interest following the tragic passing of Mala Gangamma, a resident of Badinehal village in the Mantralayam constituency.
The judicial scrutiny began after a public interest litigation (PIL) was filed on June 16, 2026. The legal action followed the death of Mala Gangamma on May 31, which family members and activists allege was the direct result of brutal interrogation methods employed by the Special Investigation Team (SIT). Both Mala Gangamma and Byara Dargappa had been detained for questioning regarding a missing person case involving the former’s son.
Status of Alleged Police Torture Survivor
According to updates provided to the Andhra Pradesh High Court, Byara Dargappa is showing signs of recovery. Medical professionals overseeing his treatment reported that his health markers have improved considerably. One doctor noted that his serum creatinine levels, which had surged to 15—vastly exceeding the normal range of 0.7 to 1.3—have now stabilized after the patient underwent multiple sessions of dialysis. Byara Dargappa is currently continuing his recovery under medical supervision at the Kurnool Government General Hospital.
The investigation into the alleged police torture has faced complexities, particularly regarding the initial account of events provided by the victim. Sources indicate that when medical staff initially inquired about his severe physical condition, Byara Dargappa stated that he had sustained his injuries from a motorcycle accident. However, attending medical experts have raised doubts about this narrative, noting that the nature of his trauma, which necessitated extensive dialysis, is inconsistent with injuries typically resulting from a road accident.
Social activist K. Agaman Raj has been instrumental in pursuing the case, petitioning the court for a comprehensive investigation into both the death of Mala Gangamma and the severe injuries sustained by Byara Dargappa. The Andhra Pradesh High Court has maintained active oversight of the proceedings, directing the police to formally record the statement of the survivor. Following the court’s directives, this statement was submitted for judicial review on Tuesday. Officials indicated that further disciplinary or legal actions against the SIT personnel involved remain a possibility, contingent upon the findings derived from the victim's testimony and the ongoing judicial review of the alleged police torture incidents.
